If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, may we suggest checking out some tall ships in New Orleans as part of America’s 250th birthday? Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A new series of studies led by an LSU professor shows that the impact of infertility can follow those who experience it to their workplaces. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Cleco is supplying power for the three-point-six-billion-dollar data center that will be built near Alexandria, and the power company says it will result in a stronger power grid for all of its customers without raising rates. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you can perhaps head to the New Orleans riverfront and check out the tall ships in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Mark Romig with the Sail250 host committee says the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships arrives at the Port of New Orleans this morning.

Cut 4 (07) “…they’re referred to.”

Romig says the boats represent not only the U.S., but also several other countries from around the world.

Cut 5 (14) “…U.S. Coast Guard.”

The boats will be docked in various locations throughout the riverfront all weekend long, and Romig says the best thing is it won’t cost you a dime to climb on board.

Cut 6 (07) “…run through Sunday.”

New Orleans is the first of five ports where these tall ships will visit. From there, the tall ships will sail along the Atlantic Coast and will stop in Norfolk, Virginia, and Baltimore before arriving in New York City on the 4th of July. The Sail250 tour makes its final stop in Boston July 11th.

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A new series of studies led by a professor at LSU shows that the impact of infertility follows those who experience it to their jobs. Michael Johnson with LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business, says those who experience infertility can question their overall worth and view of themselves, and that can spill into the workplace.

Cut 7 (12) “…their infertility struggles.”

Johnson says that can lead to counterproductive work behaviors.

Cut 8 (11) “…things like that.”

Johnson says there are things that companies can do to help employees whose infertility may be affecting them in the workplace.

Cut 9 (10)  “…out with it.”

Johnson notes that this is not an issue exclusive to women; men can struggle with infertility issues as well. The study is published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior.

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Pineville-based utility provider Cleco will provide the power for the 3.6-billion-dollar data center that will be built in the Rapides Parish town of Boyce. Cleco spokeswoman Jennifer Cahill says the company welcomes Applied Digital to central Louisiana, and it looks forward to meeting its needs.

Cut 10 (11) “…that we serve.”

The massive data center is expected to provide 200 permanent jobs once it begins initial operations in mid-2027.

Data Centers use an enormous amount of energy, but Cahill says that will not result in higher bills for Cleco customers.

Cut 11 (08) “…the data center.”

Cahill says Cleco’s planned investments in grid reliability and new generation infrastructure will benefit all customers.

Cut 12 (10) “…broader customer base.”

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Louisiana will use more than one-billion dollars in federal money over the next five years to improve health care in rural areas through the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin says rural healthcare providers are doing great work with limited resources, but this initiative will provide them with tools and partnerships that can result in better care for the state’s 1.1-million rural residents.

Cut 13 (11)  “…care more efficiently.”

Governor Jeff Landry says one of the major focuses of the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund is expanding workforce capacity.

Cut 14 (14) “…to stay there.”

Landry says the program will also support startup growth and private investment and strengthen health care technology infrastructure. L-D-H Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says they are calling on entrepreneurs, investors, universities and technology companies to get involved.

Cut 15 (13) “…rural health care.”

Greenstein says more than 100 companies have already expressed interest in the program. The companies that apply will be evaluated by both L-D-H and the state’s economic development agency.

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The Ragin Cajuns will face Cincinnati tomorrow night in the opening round of the Starkville Regional. Coach Matt Deggs calls the Bearcats a dynamic baseball team.

Cut 16 (20) “…very well coached.”

Deggs says his team’s do not die attitude has carried them this far and he expects it to continue this weekend.

Cut 17 (18) “…a long time.”

U-L Lafayette played seven games in six days at the Sun Belt Tournament. Deggs is optimistic his team will rebound from the heavy workload.

Cut 18 (17) “…hope we do.”

First pitch tomorrow night is at 6 p-m.

The ability for two-term governors to make another run for the state’s top job after sitting out four years is now in the hands of the voters. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms will be on the November 3rd ballot. Bayham says prior history has shown that nothing good results when governors keep coming back time and time again.

Cut 3 (09) “…to federal prison.”

Some Democrats expressed concern that Bayham was specifically targeting John Bel Edwards, who would otherwise be eligible to run for re-election next year – although this amendment would also apply to Republican Bobby Jindal. Edwards and Jindal are the only two living former Louisiana governors. Bayham says neither one expressed any concern to him about the amendment.

Cut 5 (07) “…or Governor Edwards.”

Governor Landry signed a bill that expands a program that provides grant dollars for homeowners to pay for fortified roofs on their homes. Landry says this is important legislation because fortified roofs can limit storm damage.

Cut 9 (14)  “…the benefit.”

The measure signed into law by the governor expands the fortified roof program by additional 50-million dollars.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says they will be distributing more grants this summer and a lottery to receive a grant of up to ten-thousand dollars will begin next week…

Cut 10 (13) “…to homeowners.” 

The Fortified Roof Program has been around since 2023; and since then, 49-hundred homeowners have used it to install fortified roofs.

Governor Jeff Landry signs legislation that adds 50-million dollars to the Fortified Roof Program. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Hammond police officer finds himself on the other side of the law. The unidentified officer was arrested on allegations involving cockfighting activities, with charges ranging from misusing state computer systems to retaliating against a witness. The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you can perhaps head to the New Orleans riverfront and check out the tall ships in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Mark Romig with the Sail250 host committee says the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships arrives at the Port of New Orleans tomorrow morning.

Cut 23 (07) “…they’re referred to.”

The boats will be docked in various locations along the riverfront and will be open for free tours throughout the weekend.

At the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida, LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin was asked his thoughts on his highly anticipated return to Oxford when the Tigers play Ole Miss on September 19th. Lane did not take the bait.

Cut 8 (09) “…at it”

Governor Landry signs legislation that adds 50-million dollars to the Fortified Roof Program. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An 11-year-old boy is killed in a head-on crash in West Carroll Parish. State Police say Bracen Hagood of Pioneer was riding in the front seat of a Toyota pickup truck and was unrestrained at the time of the crash – both factors they say could have contributed to his fatal injuries. State police remind you that by law, whenever possible, kids under 13 are required to ride in the backseat.

The ability for two-term governors to make another run for the state’s top job after sitting out four years is now in the hands of the voters. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms has passed both houses by the requisite two-thirds majority and will be on the November 3rd ballot. Bayham says prior history has shown that nothing good results when governors keep coming back time and time again.

Cut 3 (09) “…to federal prison.”

LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin spoke at the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida. While he had a lot to talk about, reporters wanted to focus on his decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU. Kiffin says he enjoyed his time with the Rebels, but LSU was an opportunity for him to do something new.

Cut 7 (11) “..new challenge.”

Voters will have a chance in November to decide whether two-term governors can still seek to reprise their roles after sitting out four years. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A Hammond police officer finds himself on the other side of the law. The unidentified officer was arrested on allegations involving cockfighting activities, with charges ranging from misusing state computer systems to retaliating against a witness. The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

Governor Landry signed a bill today that adds an additional 50-million dollars to the state’s fortified roof program. At a news conference, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says they will be distributing more grants this summer, and a lottery to receive a grant of up to ten-thousand dollars will begin next week.

Cut 10 (13) “…to homeowners.” 

The Fortified Roof Program has been around since 2023 and since that time 49-hundred homeowners have used the grant program to install fortified roofs. 

At the SEC Spring Meetings, LSU Coach Lane Kiffin made his first public comments since adding former head coach Ed Orgeron to his coaching staff.

Cut 6 (08) “..of it.”

Kiffin also says quarterback Sam Leavitt’s rehab from a foot injury continues to go well. He’s running at 21 miles per hour.

Governor Landry signed a bill today that adds an additional 50-million dollars to the state’s fortified roof program. Landry says this is important legislation because fortified roofs can limit storm damage.

Cut 9 (14)  “…the benefit.”

A constitutional amendment that would limit governors to two lifetime terms will be on the November 3rd ballot. Some Democrats expressed concern that Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham was specifically targeting John Bel Edwards, who would otherwise be eligible to run for re-election next year – although this amendment would also apply to Republican Bobby Jindal. Bayham says neither one expressed any concern to him about the amendment.

Cut 5 (07) “…or Governor Edwards.”

The Pelicans officially introduce Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach. During his introductory news conference, Mosley says he likes what he sees in his new team.

Cut 14 (09) “…says a lot.”

At the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida, LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin was asked his thoughts on his highly anticipated return to Oxford when the Tigers play Ole Miss Rebels on September 19th. Lane did not take the bait.

Cut 8 (09) “…at it”

Kiffin coached at Tennessee for one season; and when he returned there as the head coach of Ole Miss in 2021, fans threw objects at him, including a golf ball and a mustard bottle. Kiffin certainly didn’t relish the moment.

In November, voters will get to weigh in on yet another constitutional amendment. This one would limit governors to two lifetime terms. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham says he’s confident that this one will pass, pointing to how the 1995 legislative term limit amendment passed with more than 75-percent of the vote. He says if voters approve this one, it will mark a new day in Louisiana. 

Cut 4 (07) “…haunted us.”

Applied Digital Corporation plans to build a 3.6-billion-dollar A-I data center in the Rapides Parish town of Boyce. Public Service Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says this is a huge day for Cenla.

Cut 13 (09)  “…we can win.”

The campus will support advanced A-I and cloud computing workloads. Pineville-based Cleco will provide the power to support it

Public money that universities pay directly to college athletes will be concealed from public view under legislation one vote away from final passage. The measure passed the Senate on a 22-13 vote. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell voiced her opposition to the legislation while questioning one of the co-sponsors of the bill, Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil.

Cut 9 (12)  “…for state funding.”

LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin spoke at the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida. While he had a lot to talk about, reporters wanted to focus on his decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU. Kiffin says he enjoyed his time with the Rebels, but LSU was an opportunity for him to do something new.

Cut 7 (11) “..new challenge.”

Governor Landry tells public school teachers at a press conference that the state will indeed plan to fund a stipend as part of their salary for the next school year. Landry says as lawmakers will approve a budget in the coming days and once the spending plan hits his desk, they will decide how to pay for the two-thousand dollar stipend for the coming school year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…my own.”

There’s currently no state funding for the stipend or permanent pay raise, because Constitutional Amendment 3 failed at the ballot box on May 16th.

Landry also announced the formation of a bipartisan MFP permanent pay raise task force.

Cut 10 (13) “…raise or not.” 

A proposal to shield the public from seeing the revenue share contracts between universities and their athletes has received approval from the Senate on a 22-13 vote. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil says if other SEC schools know how much LSU is giving to a particular player, it could result in other universities offering that athlete more money to play at their school…

Cut 7 (09) “…doing it.”

Several senators spoke out against the legislation that’s supported by LSU. Norco Senator Gregory Miller says the state is losing sight of its priorities with this legislation…

Cut 8 (16) “…trying to protect.”

The measure heads back to the House for final legislative approval.

Governor Landry tells public school teachers at a press conference that the state will indeed plan to fund a stipend as part of their salary for the next school year. D’Shay Oaks, the president of the Louisiana Association of Educators, says that would help, because taking away the stipend could have devastating effects.

Cut 15 (10) “…from their family.”

Landry also announced the formation of a bipartisan MFP permanent pay raise task force. Senate President Cameron Henry says there’s no reason not to find money to increase teacher pay when funding for public education has gone up and student enrollment has declined.

Cut 11 (14) “…in those dollars.”

Which college campus is ranked number one in Louisiana? According to the college search website Niche (“nish”), that honor goes to Southeastern Louisiana University. The website especially noted the quality and affordability of Southeastern’s on-campus dining. President Dr. William Wainwright says it’s an honor the entire school can be proud of.

Cut 3 (11) “…the appropriate technologies.”

At the SEC Spring Meetings, Commissioner Greg Sankey said the league will not take a firm stance this week on expanding the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams. Sankey says instead, they will use the meetings to brief university leaders and coaches on the pros and cons of an expansion.

Cut 6 (10) “…time.”

Governor Landry says teachers will indeed be getting a stipend for next school year, one way or another. At a news conference this morning, Landry also announced the formation of a bipartisan MFP permanent pay raise task force.

Cut 10 (13) “…raise or not.” 

Senate President Cameron Henry says he and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier will introduce a Senate Concurrent Resolution to study and develop a new MFP formula.

At the SEC Spring Meetings, Commissioner Greg Sankey said the league will not take a firm stance this week on expanding the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams. Sankey says his position has not wavered, in that he prefers an expansion to 16 teams and not 24 teams.

Cut 7 (12) “…moving forward.”

Which college campus in Louisiana is ranked the best? For the answer, here’s Joe Gallinaro.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

We’re still awaiting additional details on a mass shooting in Thibodaux late Sunday night, in which seven people were shot outside a nightclub. None of their injuries are life-threatening. Several other people were injured as they were running from the scene. At this time, it’s unclear what, if anything, led to the shooting.